Monday, June 29, 2009

Loaded

This past Saturday was the Bicycles For Humanity loading day for the container that is being shipped over to Namibia. I arrived at the B4H warehouse at 9 am and got to work prep'ing the last bunch of bikes to be loaded on.

At 10 am the truck arrived with the sea container.

And loading began.


The Vegan Vagabond . . . . and the bike that began it all. It's totally made with zero animal by-products.

Feats of strength

I was bent over all day wrenching on bikes - removing pedals, dropping seats and bars, zip tying pedals to the frame, removing kick-stands, and turning bars (all to make for easier and more compact loading and unloading). Every time I got through a bunch of bikes, more would show up to be prepared. I was so busy that I didn't even lift one bike into the truck. Toughest part of the day was removing the steel pedals from aluminum cranks - some sort corrosive welding between the two metals going on. I was shagged by the time I got home - all tired and stiff - body was a bit achy for Sunday's ride (that report tomorrow).

VV & Giles - West Side Posse

I mean . . . Li'l Possers.

Almost full

Boxes of bike parts, tools, soccer cleats, balls and jerseys all sent over. Tubes and tires were crammed into every nook and cranny.

An empty warehouse

332 bikes loaded



I was so happy to have the container loaded I got down and did the B4H shuffle.

Enthusiastic and energetic bunch of volunteers.

3 comments:

Big Bikes said...

That is awesome.

I'm just talking about the dance.

The sending 332 frickin' bikes to Africa part is alright too I guess.

-t

Bandobras said...

Sure it all seems good now but what about in a generation when Namibian riders are topping all the bike races in the world. We'll know who to blame then.

the original big ring said...

Bando - you're not far off in what you say! You should check out the link on my side bar - The African Cyclist.

Cheers,
C.